Written by StockNews.com

Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) early Thursday posted much better than expected first quarter earnings results, as sales at established stores surged from last year.

The Ann Arbor, MI-based pizza chain reported Q1:

• earnings per share (EPS) of $1.26, which was $0.09 better than the Wall Street consensus estimate of $1.17,
• revenues rose 15.8% from last year to $624.2 million, also beating analysts’ view for $615.66 million...
• domestic same store sales (“comps”) surged 10.2%...which represents the 24th consecutive quarter of positive sales momentum in that unit. Comps are considered a key indicator of a restaurant chain’s health, since they measure the year-over-year performance of stores open at least 12 months.
• international division saw comps rise 4.3% in Q1, which was a record 93rd consecutive quarter of positive international same store sales growth.

J. Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, saying:

“It was a great start to 2017, as momentum continued with solid growth in our international business, and our third consecutive quarter of double-digit same store sales growth in the U.S..

The ultimate measure of customer satisfaction is more customers choosing to do business with you. The growth we are experiencing – both in store counts and customer visits – is a reflection of great commitment and execution by our franchisees and team members.”

...Year-to-date, DPZ had already gained 13.92% prior to today’s report, versus a 7.12% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

DPZ currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of A (Strong Buy) and is ranked #7 of 53 stocks in the Restaurants category.